Good News
Happy Reunion: Miami Gardens Police K-9 Gael Is Found Safe
Gael, a 2-year-old Labrador and Miami Gardens Police K-9, is home safe after a week-long search that had the whole community pulling for him.
Here is a local story with the happiest of endings. After going missing for the better part of a week and prompting an all-out search across the city, Gael, a 2-year-old Labrador and K-9 officer with the Miami Gardens Police Department, has been found safe and reunited with his handler. The department shared the joyful news on Sunday, and the whole community can breathe a sigh of relief.
Gael, a 2-year-old Labrador and K-9 officer with the Miami Gardens Police Department, is home safe. After bolting from a police cruiser and going missing for the better part of a week, the beloved four-legged officer was found and reunited with his handler, as the department announced on Sunday, September 13.
A happy ending in Miami Gardens
Every so often, a local story comes along that simply makes you smile, and this is one of them. After days of worry and an all-hands search, the Miami Gardens Police Department shared the news everyone was hoping for: their missing K-9 officer, Gael, had been found safe and sound.
The 2-year-old beige Labrador is more than a pet. He is a working member of the police force and a partner to his handler, which made his disappearance a genuine loss felt across the department and the community.
A week-long search
The ordeal began earlier in the week when, according to police, Gael jumped out of a police cruiser and darted across Northwest 2nd Avenue, disappearing down the street. Surveillance video reportedly captured the young Labrador sprinting past local businesses as he got away.
What followed was an extensive, determined search. The department went door to door, deployed mobile command units to the area, and issued a heartfelt plea to the public for any information. For officers who work alongside Gael every day, this was personal, and the effort showed it.
The community rallied
Stories like this remind us what makes Miami Gardens special. As word of the missing K-9 spread, residents kept an eye out, shared the department's posts, and hoped for the best. That kind of community response, neighbors looking out for neighbors, and for a hardworking police dog, is exactly the spirit that defines this city.
When the news finally came that Gael was back with his handler, it was a collective sigh of relief and a shared moment of joy. A good dog was home, and the community that helped look for him could celebrate together.
Lending a hand when pets go missing
Gael's story has a happy ending, and it is a reminder of how much the community can do when a pet, or a working K-9, goes missing. If you ever spot a lost or stray animal, a few small actions can make a big difference: keep the animal safe if you can, snap a photo, post in local lost-and-found and neighborhood groups, and check with nearby residents. For city and police matters, the Miami Gardens Police Department can be reached through its non-emergency line.
From searching for a missing K-9 to gathering for community events, Miami Gardens is a place where people show up for one another. For more local news and happenings, keep up with MiamiGardens.com, and discover pet services and local businesses in our directory.
Frequently asked questions
Was the missing Miami Gardens police dog found?
Yes. Gael, a 2-year-old Labrador and K-9 officer with the Miami Gardens Police Department, was found safe and reunited with his handler. The department announced the happy news on Sunday, September 13, after an extensive week-long search.
How did the Miami Gardens K-9 go missing?
According to police, Gael jumped out of a police cruiser and ran off along Northwest 2nd Avenue. The department launched an extensive search, going door to door and using mobile command units, and asked the public for help before locating him.
How can I help find a lost pet in Miami Gardens?
If you find a lost or stray animal, contact local animal services or the relevant agency, share photos on local social media and lost-pet groups, and check with neighbors. For a police K-9 or city matter, you can contact the Miami Gardens Police Department non-emergency line.
Details from the Miami Gardens Police Department and local reporting (Local 10 News). Published: September 14, 2026.
